At least 11 people, including seven police...

The clash reportedly took place in a desert area of the South Khorasan province bordering with Afghanistan.

Local police chief Gen Hamid Sharafi was quoted as telling Iranian state radio seven another smuggler was seriously wounded.

He said two tonnes of drugs had been confiscated during a raid.

"Smugglers and armed bandits also left several vehicles, motorbikes and their arms fleeing the scene," he added.

MOSCOW, January 3 (RIA Novosti)